DTV antennas, what are the choices?
We've used a Track-in-motion antenna for ten years, think it is a KVH L2 model. Never wanted to used it while moving. I'm tired of the long setup procedure...as it finds a dozen satellites before find...
Forum Discussion
Antennas 101:
Domes work very well with DirectTV.. if the dome has a "Dual" LNB (means 2 outputs) it can run two, or with the proper switch MORE receivers, or DVR.s
Some work in motion.. As the O/P pointed out some have better software (most of the more modern ones can be told "Look for 101W" and they will not lock on anything else.. Some, not all.
DirecHDTV: not compatible with current domes I have not even heard of rumors of a dome for RV use for DirecHDTV
With DISH network, and a SINGLE receiver, some of the Domes work well Both HD and SD With multiple recievers there are serious lmits.
Note this applies to both roof and portable units.. I will get to Roof/Portable later
DISH type antennas also come in both Roof and Portable types. You get the dish that matches your service and it works, Period, no if's no "Only one" or anything else it just flat works,,, If more than two receivers you may need some added switch gear (Get it at your Sat TV installer's office)
Roof/portable
Roof mounts are good, DOMES can be in-motion type (only reason to have a dome) dishes can not.. They are quick and easy to set up with auto-controllers of the modern read the bird ID type. BUT.. They have a limit.. IF you happen to be parked under the evil signal eating tree: NO SIGNAL
Portable (or tripod mount dishes) can often be set up 100 feet or more from the RV getting themselves clear of said Evil Tree.
Recommendation: IF you have a roof mount, put an A(bove)/B(elow) switch in the LNB line(s) to the receivers and if parked under evil tree... hook up ground mount, switch to "B" and set it up (Switch to A before unhooking)
Domes work very well with DirectTV.. if the dome has a "Dual" LNB (means 2 outputs) it can run two, or with the proper switch MORE receivers, or DVR.s
Some work in motion.. As the O/P pointed out some have better software (most of the more modern ones can be told "Look for 101W" and they will not lock on anything else.. Some, not all.
DirecHDTV: not compatible with current domes I have not even heard of rumors of a dome for RV use for DirecHDTV
With DISH network, and a SINGLE receiver, some of the Domes work well Both HD and SD With multiple recievers there are serious lmits.
Note this applies to both roof and portable units.. I will get to Roof/Portable later
DISH type antennas also come in both Roof and Portable types. You get the dish that matches your service and it works, Period, no if's no "Only one" or anything else it just flat works,,, If more than two receivers you may need some added switch gear (Get it at your Sat TV installer's office)
Roof/portable
Roof mounts are good, DOMES can be in-motion type (only reason to have a dome) dishes can not.. They are quick and easy to set up with auto-controllers of the modern read the bird ID type. BUT.. They have a limit.. IF you happen to be parked under the evil signal eating tree: NO SIGNAL
Portable (or tripod mount dishes) can often be set up 100 feet or more from the RV getting themselves clear of said Evil Tree.
Recommendation: IF you have a roof mount, put an A(bove)/B(elow) switch in the LNB line(s) to the receivers and if parked under evil tree... hook up ground mount, switch to "B" and set it up (Switch to A before unhooking)
